On Saturday afternoon, the San Jose Earthquakes lost 1-0 to Toronto FC thanks to a 27th PK from striker Jermaine Defoe.

For San Jose, the defeat marked the first time in six games that the team had lost at BMO Field in Toronto. Head coach Mark Watson was frustrated with the squad’s poor start to the contest, a recurring theme in 2014.

“I am disappointed that we came out so slowly in the first half. We didn’t have the energy that I would have liked to start the game.”

However, Watson did point out that the team put in a better showing in final 45 minutes.

“It was nice to see the team respond in the second half. We put a lot more effort in after halftime and put them under pressure. We needed to be a bit more dangerous in the attack, but we had some decent chances late.”

The Quakes were missing five regulars due to injuries and national team duty including key attackers Chris Wondolowski and Yannick Djalo. Those absences led the way for Tommy Thompson to make his debut. The midfielder became the first homegrown player to appear in an official MLS game for the Quakes.

“I am happy to be healthy and grateful for the opportunity to play in a great atmosphere like that. It would have been nice to get a win or a tie but it was not our day.”

San Jose (4-4-5) are now tied for seventh in the Western Conference standings, two points off the fifth and final playoff spot. The club has a two-week break from MLS play, returning to action on June 28 for the California Clasico against the LA Galaxy at Stanford Stadium.

However, the Quakes do have a U.S. Open Cup game on Tuesday against Sacramento Republic FC at Kezar Stadium in San Francisco. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30pm.

Note: All quotes courtesy of the San Jose Earthquakes Media Relations.